History in the making

Here is the first post on my series on Greek Life in Canada! For my intro, see here. The first post is from an Alpha Gam alumnae from my own chapter, Carolina. Carolina held several positions in her chapter, as well as the position of Greek Council President at the University of Manitoba. She was gracious enough to answer my questions, so a huge thank you goes out to her! Without further ado:

1) What University and chapter are you from?

I’m from the University of Manitoba, Alpha Gamma Delta- Beta Gamma Chapter.

2) What has been your favourite aspect of Greek Life?

The all around growth and experience potential. Greek life focuses on 5 influential pillars: leadership, scholarship, philanthropy, social, and sisterhood. Greek Life has been the only community / student led organization I’ve been a part of that has given me the opportunity to grow in so many different ways, and gain experience in so many different areas; it’s been an amazing resume builder as well.

3) What do you think makes Greek Life in Canada different Greek Life in the US? (If anything)

I can’t really speak for the US since I’ve only had a few encounters with American Greek life, and with only one American campus in particular. What did notice however, was that our Greek system… even though it may be smaller, felt closer because of it’s size. I feel we make more of an effort to get to know everyone in our community because we all have this love, this dedication, this passion for our organizations, but also for our community as a whole. The feeling I got in the states was that you very much stuck to your letters, whereas on our campus we make an effort to create community within.

4) What do you think is next in store for Greek Life in Canada?

I think expansion and further community building within Canadian Greek systems. I don’t want to say it’s “Canada vs the US”, but I do feel like our systems differ in nature, and I think those differences bring Americans closer to Americans, and Canadians closer to Canadians.

5) If you could tell Canadian students anything about Greek Life, what would it be?

Do not be fearful because of what you see in the media or what movies portray Greek life to be. Keep an open mind to the endless possibilities Greek life can offer you, without the judgement or biased opinion of what you might have heard or what some friends who might not understand or give a chance might have to say.

6) Any other thoughts?

Joining the Greek system has been, and probably always will be the greatest decision I have ever made in my entire life. As of right now, my love, my career, my friends, my passion, my experience… all of my happiness I can attribute to Greek Life. And that is not something you can put any price tag, stereotype, or negative implication on.

♠

Thank you again, Carolina! The series will continue next Friday with Part II!